The Commission on the Status of Women is the UN’s main intergovernmental body dedicated exclusively to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.

For two weeks in March each year, representatives from the Commission’s UN member states, UN entities and accredited NGOs come together at UN Headquarters in New York to review progress on global conventions and standards on women’s rights.

Each year International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. All around the world, International Women's Day (IWD) represents an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while calling for greater equality.

Make It Happen is the 2015 theme for encouraging effective action for advancing and recognizing women.

The first International Women's Day was held in 1911. Thousands of events occur to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.